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6141.2 AR Administrative Regulation

Recognition Of Religious Beliefs And Customs

Staff shall make every effort to schedule one-time events, such as examinations, school-sponsored trips, special laboratories, picture-taking days and class parties, to minimize conflicts with major religious holidays of all faiths. Programs and Exhibits When school programs and exhibits are in any way related to instruction about religion or religious holidays, the following guidelines shall be observed: - The principal or designee shall ensure that school-sponsored programs are presented in an objective manner, consistent with Board policy. - The principal or designee shall be kept informed of the program's development. - Program or exhibit planners shall take into consideration the diverse religious faiths represented in the community, student body and staff.

Legal & Management References

State
Ed. Code 38130-38139 - Civic Center Act
Ed. Code 46014 - Absences for religious purposes
Ed. Code 51240 - Excuse from instruction due to religious beliefs
Ed. Code 51511 - Religious matters properly included in courses of study
Ed. Code 51930-51939 - California Healthy Youth Act
Federal
20 USC 4071-4074 - Equal Access Act
20 USC 6061 - School prayer
20 USC 7904 - School prayer
Management Resources
California Department of Education Publication - Appendix F history social science framework for California public schools
Court Decision - Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025) 606 U.S. ____ (2025 WL 1773627)
Court Decision - Florey v. Sioux Falls (1980) 619 F.2d 1311
Court Decision - Fellowship of Christian Athletes v. San Jose Unified School District Board of Education (2023) 82 F.4th 664
Court Decision - Kennedy v. Bremerton (2022) 142 S.Ct. 2407
Court Decision - Cole v. Oroville Union High School District (2000, 9th Cir.) 228 F.3d 1092
Court Decision - Lassonde v. Pleasanton Unified School District (2003, 9th Cir.) 320 F.3d 979
Court Decision - Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971) 403 U.S. 602
U.S. Department of Education Publication - Guidance on Constitutionally Protected Prayer and Religious Expression in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools, May 2023
Website - CSBA District and County Office of Education Legal Services
Website - California Department of Education
Website - CSBA
Website - U.S. Department of Education

Cross References